10 Threats You Should Never Try to Outrun

A red-nose pit bull and its owner cool off in New York City. Pit bulls are not necessarily more aggressive than other dogs. Ramin Talaie/Getty Images

Perhaps the best cure for a shy bladder is the sight of an aggressive dog barreling toward you at full tilt. If that doesn't make you question every decision you've made in your life, probably nothing will.

Though many people think certain breeds (like pit bulls and Rottweilers) are more aggressive than others, any dog can turn angry if surprised or threatened. A study of dog bite statistics from the 1980s to 2000s didn’t show any breed as being more dangerous than another. Whichever breeds happened to be most popular in a given period were the ones that showed up for most dog bites in that period [source: American Animal Hospital Association].

What everyone agrees is that a person faced with a threatening canine shouldn't try to run away. Doing so may simply provoke the animal to attack. Plus, you're not going to be able to outrun it. Instead, cover your eyes and stand still. (Dogs take staring as a challenge; also, you'll want to protect your face). Try not to make any noise. Hopefully, the dog will take you for a tree or log and leave you alone [source: Smith].